From NASUAD  

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Last month, the  U.S. Census Bureau issued a report, entitled 65+ in the United States. This report examines a range of

Data used in this report draw heavily from the 2010 Census, nationally representative surveys such as the Current Population Survey, the American Community Survey,

The AARP Public Policy Institute has released the third in a series of papers on caregivers providing chronic medical care. The paper, Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care to People with Cognitive and Behavioral Health Conditions, reports on results from a national survey showing that caregivers of family members with challenging behaviors were also likely to perform medical/nursing tasks, such as managing medications. The paper is based on additional analysis of data extracted from a national survey of 1,677 family caregivers, 22 percent of whom were caring for someone with one or more challenging behaviors. While family caregivers often must provide such care for family members with challenging behaviors, there is little or no instruction or guidance on how to do this important work. This paper offers recommendations for assisting family caregivers who play this dual role. 

Click here to view the paper.

Review of Medicaid Expansion Waivers

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) released a report that examines State proposals to expand Medicaid using demonstration waivers. The analysis includes reviews of policies that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved as well as proposals that were rejected. CBPP notes that:

• Although some benefit modifications have been permitted, CMS has not waived a number of core Medicaid requirements such as EPSDT (Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment).
• Expansion adults cannot be subjected to higher cost sharing requirements than other Medicaid beneficiaries.
• CMS has rejected proposals that would establish work requirements as a condition of Medicaid eligibility.

Opening the Doors of Small Business to Employees with Disabilities

The Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) has released a report entitled, Opening the Doors of Small Business to Employees with Disabilities: Critical Concerns and Strategies for Success. The report addresses the concerns that small business leaders have expressed about employing people with disabilities. The report also explores extensive research demonstrating that hiring people with disabilities can improve an organization's productivity, work quality, and more at little or no additional cost, while improving the workplace for all employees.
 

Click here to view the report.

Report Examines Trends In Medicare Part D Plan Marketplace

 

Click here to view the report. 

The LEAD Center recently released the July 2014 Policy Update. The Policy Update includes articles on new Medicaid enrollment data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), an issue brief on Olmstead's role in community integration, AARP's long-term services and supports scorecard, Olmstead violations in Ohio, and much more. The Policy Update, Employment, Health Care and Disability, is a monthly update focusing on the intersection of disability, employment and health care policy. 

 

Click here to view the Policy Update.

Webinar: SNAP for Seniors: Troubleshooting Applications and Handling Appeals

The National Council on Aging is holding a webinar entitled, SNAP for Seniors: Troubleshooting Applications and Handling Appeals, on August 27, 2014, 3:00 p.m. ET. 

• Discuss common pitfalls that delay the application determination.
• Explain consumers' rights, and the process by which counselors and clients can appeal a benefits decision.
• Walk through scenarios that illustrate how to be proactive when challenges arise. 

Webinar: Educating Older Americans About Their Aging Eyes 

The National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) of the National Eye Institute (NEI) are holding a webinar entitled, Educating Older Americans About Their Aging Eyes, on September 10, 2014, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET. This webinar will focus on why vision health is a growing public health concern and how participants can help older adults in their community protect their vision. The topics of discussion will include:

• The growing prevalence of age-related eye diseases and conditions.
• What older Americans know about eye health.
• Common vision changes people experience as they age.
• An overview of the most common age-related eye diseases and conditions, including macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, dry eye, and low vision.
• The importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams and other behaviors in protecting vision.

Click here to register for the webinar.
 

Stateline, a production of The PEW Charitable Trusts, posted an article discussing the threat of financial scams that target senior citizens. The article notes that such instances are likely under-reported and that there is no central repository for tracking occurrences. However, the reporters note that state legislatures are increasingly introducing and passing legislation that addresses these issues. According to the article, this type of legislation was introduced in over half of the states during 2014. 

 

Click here for more information.
 

The National Bureau of Economic Research is hosting the

Disability Research Center (DRC) Annual Research Meeting on October 30-31, 2014. The meeting will feature 

disability policy and program experts who will highlight findings from a new research sponsored by the Social Security Administration (SSA) through the DRC. The meeting will take place at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Admission is free but space is limited. Pre-registration is required. 

Click here for more information as it become available.